The Catholic Commission for Social Justice said in a statement that the Caribbean island should ensure modern-day slavery is not being practiced. "These laborers cannot be considered as a commodity or a mere work force," it said.

Legislator Michael Annisette, who is also president of the National Trade Union Center, said he would raise concerns about the workers in parliament next week.

He also urged the government to publicly condemn the Beijing Liujian construction company. "Failure to do so will be a blot on this country's international record," he said.

The government is investigating the workers' claims, Labor Minister Rene Dumas said, adding that officials had met with contractors and visited the makeshift labor camp built by the company.

Local television stations have broadcast images of the workers' camp showing open toilet pits, dirty kitchens and cramped sleeping quarters.

The workers marched to the Chinese Embassy on Tuesday to demand two months' pay and improved living conditions.

Company official Daisy Feng has told local media the workers have been paid but will be fired and will not get back deposits they put down to guarantee they fulfilled their contracts.

Immigration officials say the workers have valid work permits.

They are among thousands of workers brought in from China for constructing projects, including a billion-dollar performing arts center that will host the opening ceremony of the Commonwealth summit next month. The meeting is expected to draw some 5,000 delegates from Britain and its former colonies.